Local students can leap into art with 'jumpstART' program

The free program "jumpstART" that aims to introduce Putnam County youth in grades K-5 to different types of art movements, styles and artists in a fun and engaging way will meet monthly beginning Saturday, Sept. 7.

Started last year by DePauw University student Chelsea Naylor, now a senior, the project began as a free art and art education program in an attempt to connect local students to art outside the classroom.

It is now an official DePauw Community Service program that will meet the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon in the DePauw University Peeler Arts building at 10 W. Hanna St.

Students learn about an art movement, style or a famous artist, Naylor said, and can then apply that information by creating their own work of art.

"We do so through a brief art history lesson followed by an art activity utilizing the information students learned," she added.

All students are invited to participate in the second-year program, whether they have a background in art or not.

At the end of each semester, jumpstART organizes an art show for students to display the work they have created and have an opportunity to show their efforts to family and friends.

Program dates for this academic year are Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 and May 3.

For more information or to voice questions, persons may contact jumpstART at jumpstart@depauw.edu.